Business
Development
Center
Expert consulting, accessible financing, and targeted training for entrepreneurs and businesses across western Montana.
What We Do
The Business Development Center provides comprehensive support for businesses at every stage, from first idea to established growth. Whether you're writing your first business plan, applying for a loan, or developing your leadership team, our advisors deliver personalized guidance tailored to western Montana's unique economy.
Our services are available to entrepreneurs and businesses across Lake, Sanders, and Mineral counties and the Flathead Indian Reservation. All consulting services are offered free of charge, funded through state and federal economic development programs.
How We Help
From planning to financing to ongoing guidance, we support your business at every stage.
Business Planning
Strategic guidance to define goals, model financials, and build a plan that lenders and partners trust. We work with startups and established businesses alike.
Loan Assistance
Access to working capital, equipment, expansion, and real estate financing. We guide you from pre-qualification through application and disbursement.
Workshops & Training
Practical skills-building sessions on marketing, financial management, and leadership development, designed for real businesses in rural Montana.
Customized Consultation
One-on-one support for operations, marketing, bookkeeping, and scaling. Your advisor, your schedule, your specific challenges.
Specialized Programs
Deeper support for specific business needs and funding opportunities.
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
Vision
Core Values
- Community First
- Accessible, Free Consulting
- Long-Term Relationships
- Rural Expertise
- Practical, Action-Oriented Support
BDC Staff
Businesses We’ve Helped Build
Local entrepreneurs and businesses who turned an idea, a loan, or a consult into something durable.
Tyler’s Styling Studio
Tyler Leslie had the eye. She could walk into someone’s closet and see what was missing, what didn’t fit, what was holding them back from feeling like themselves. Friends and family had been asking for her help for years. She knew the talent was real. Turning it into a business was a different challenge. In […]
Mission Country Market
For two decades, Stutzman’s Country Market has been a fixture on Watson Road in St. Ignatius: a place where you could get hand-sliced deli meats, bulk health foods, Amish preserves, and a scoop of Wilcoxson’s ice cream all under one roof. When the original owners decided to step back, the question was whether the market […]
Ready to Build
Your Business?
Tell us about your business and what kind of support you're looking for. Our BDC team will follow up within one business day.
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